Speaking device



Jan. 1, 1929. 1,697,445

I D. F. YOUNGBLOOD SPEAKING DEVICE Filed April 14, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 INVENTOR lam 510;

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DAVID F. YOUNGBLOOD, OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.

SPEAKING DEVICE.

Application filed April 14,1928. Serial No. 270,016.

This invention relates to speaking devices for jails and the like and aims, among other objects, to provide a simple and improved attachment for a cell wall constructed and arranged to permit a prisoner to carry on a conversation with a'visitor and to prevent the passage of any articlesfrom one to the other.

' In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a speaking device embodying the invention, showing it applied tea sheet metal wall below a win-.

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Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken onithe line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4C is a perspective view of the speaking block shown in Fig. 1; 1

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred form of frame for supporting the block on either side of the cell wall; and

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a tubular screen adapted for use in the speaking block shown.

Referring particularly to the drawing, the preferred embodiment of the invention there shown comprises a suitably shaped speaking block 10 secured in an opening through the cell wall 11 by means of frames 12 or other suitable supports arranged below or adjacent to a window 13. The arrangement is such that the prisoner and the visitor may see each other and carry on a conversation at the same time.

Herein, the speaking block 10 is cast in one piece and is a parallelepiped so that it will fit in a square or rectangular opening in the cell wall, although this shape is not of considerable importance.

In the inside and outside faces of the block there is shown, in Figs. 1 to 4, a series of vertical slots 14 arranged in staggered relation and each extending beyond the longitudinal center of the block, so that their inner ends overlap. The open ends of these slots are preferably flared or tapered, as shown at 15, to collect and transmit the sound. The construction resembles a thick corrugated plate; in fact, it could be made of heavy sheet metal. The overlapped ends of the slots are shown as communicating with each other through a series of small openings or holes 16, conveniently drilled through the block from one end. to the other and having their axes located in a central vertical plane. :Thus, all of the slots and the openings provide tortuous passageways for the sound making it impossible to pass through any jail breaking tools and other articles of any material size.

If it is desired to prevent the passage of minute articles, such as small capsules, messages, pills and the like by means of fine wires, a series of small vertical holes 17 may be drilled partially through the block between the overlapped ends of the slotsso that they intersect the ;horizontal communicating openings between them, and a -small perforated ior foraminous cylindrical screen 18 may be inserted in each of; these openings. This arrangement is particularly desirable as many prisoners or inmates are addicted to the drug habit.

Referring now to the means for securing the speaking block within the cell wall opening, it is obvious that this may be done in a great many ways; but, herein, the frames 12 are shown as being well adapted for the purpose. They are also preferably made of cast metal and have side and end flanges 19 be bolted, riveted, or otherwise secured to the cell wall on opposite sides. they are secured, care should be taken to pre vent easy removal with ordinary tools. Refer-ring to Figs. 2 and 3 the block can easily be slipped in the two frames after they are assembled on the Wall and, in the present instance, it is removably secured in place by a series of screws 20 or other suitable securing means conveniently passing through the flanges 19 at the ends. These screws or the like should also be such as to prevent easy removal with ordinary tools.

From the foregoing description, it willbe seen that this speaking device may be very easily made of a few simple parts; it is easily installed in any cell wall; and very effectively prevents passage of articles from and to a prisoner. Moreover, it can be installed in old prison cells without making alterations, it being only necessary toburn or cut through an opening for the block and openings for the bolts or rivets. Further, it may be and preferably is entirely independent of the cell windows, although it is desirable to place them adjacent to the window frames to permit the prisoner or inmate and visitor to see each other.

Howeverv to receive the block. 1 They are adapted to Obviously the present invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment thereof herein shown and described.

hat is claimed is l. A speaking device for jail Walls and, the like comprising a. block secured Within and projecting through anopening in the Wall and having a plurality of overlapping slots therein arranged in staggered relation on opposite sides thereof; said block having sound conducting holes connecting said overlapped slots to provide tortuous sound passages 2. A speaking device for ail Walls and the like comprising a block secured in an opening in the Wall and. having a plurality of overlapping slots therein arranged in staggered relation on opposite sides thereof; said block having a plurality of small holes extending across and connecting said overlapped slots to provide tortuous sound passages, said holes extending across all of the slots. i

3. A speaking device comprising a block secured in a Wall opening and having aseries of vertical slots in its opposite faces arranged in staggered relation; said slot-s overlapping each other; a plurality of horizontal holes in the block intersecting the respective slots and having their axes in the same plane; vertical openings in the block between the overlapped slots and intersect ing the horizontal holes; and a foraininous screen fitted in each vertical opening to prevent the passage of small articles through the holes.

4. A speaking device for jails and the, like comprising a pair of flanged frame members secured on opposite sides of a Wall about an opening; and a speaking block projecting through both sides of the Wall and having tortuous sound passages, said block being secured to the frame members and extending through the Wall opening.

In testimony; that I claim the foregoing asmy own, I have hereto afiixed my signature.

DAVID F. YOUNGBLOO'D. 

